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Dahlia seedlings
Hi folks. My dahlia seedlings were growing well after being potted on from seed tray into single cells. After a bit of a cold snap some of the plants have blackened leaves, I presume this is frost damage, the stems are still green and some even have some new leaf growth.
My question is will these plants survive? they are about 3" high so not too tiny, and should I remove the damaged leaves?
They are dahlia pompon mixed if that helps.
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If you have new growth they should survive. Keep some fleece or even cover with a layer of newspaper if a frost is forecast.
Thanks fidgetbones. I haven't planted them out yet, they were in a cold greenhouse.
I brought all my half-hardys into the conservatory when I saw a forecast for chilly nights, everything else is ok only the dahlias were affected.
What should I do about the black leaves, pick em off of leave it be?
Hi Kitty I've grown lots of Dahlia's this year from seed bedding and tall varieties, I grew 50 pompons, All of them look great and are starting to be planted out now after being hardened off, I've never had a frost damaged dahlia cause black leaves this time of year, Usually there light brown or pale white if its to cold. It sounds to me like it could be sun scorch, Are they being hardened off? Or are they receiving full sun all day, or strong afternoon sun? It Could be where they haven't adapted, They need to be eased into outside surroundings slowly over two weeks. Usually after then there capable of coping with anything the weather throws at them apart from frost. It's difficult to tell properly without seeing pictures But that's my hazard guess. If the new foliage is green they still sound ok, You can always pinch them back to a healthy side shoots and remove the blackened leaves, This will encourage bushy growth and more flowers for you. Fingers crossed for you.
Hi David. Very surprised when logging on for a late night nosey (not usual for me) to see my post at the top of the page, I thought it had sunk without a trace.
Thanks for the advice, by the sounds of it, it may have been strong afternoon sun as you suggest. They were growing on a south facing conservatory windowsill and it was the side of the tray closest to the window that was affected.
My first try this year at Dahlias, hopefully they will be ok but we learn by experience and advice and helpful tips from guys like you.
Thanks again Kitty.